Nkululeko Mahlangu on Makoto, marriage and more

Married at First Sight South Africa airs every Sunday at 6PM on Mzansi Magic and is also available to stream on Showmax.

The show follows four couples who have just met and are now married. These couples are Palesa Mphaki and Tshepo Miya, Makoto Phumodi and Nkuleleko Mahlangu; Themba Khosa and Nelisa Ntabeni; and Portia Baloyi and Bongani Luvalo. Together, they are learning what it means to be husband and wife, all while the cameras are rolling.

Over the past nine weeks, Married at First Sight SA has become one of the most talked-about reality shows in the country, and the latest episode continued to bring the drama as Palesa and Tshepo’s relationship took a serious knock after a heated fallout. The women also sat down for an intense and emotional conversation that revealed more cracks in the group.

Watch the trailer for Married at First Sight SA

From the very beginning, the show has tackled everything from difficult family dynamics, power in a relationship, unresolved issues with exes, to growing tensions around physical and emotional intimacy.

We recently caught up with Nkululeko, who gave us the inside scoop on his marriage, joining the show and more. 

Why did you decide to join the show?

I decided to come to the show to find a wife since I wasn’t getting anyone compatible, so I believed that since the show had professional experts and married people, I would be paired with my soulmate.

What went through your mind when you first saw Makoto?

Makoti Phumodi on Married at First Sight on Showmax

When I first saw my wife, I was happy, but curious if she was a humble and God-fearing woman, because those two characteristics are so important to me.

How did you emotionally prepare yourself for this experiment?

I honestly did not have any expectations; I just went in knowing I wouldn’t use the same old keys to open a new door. I prepared myself through constant prayer and fasting to not be misled by anything I encountered in the experiment.

What have you learnt about yourself through this journey?

There are so many things: I’ve really matured and I know which battles to fight. I also learned silence is power; not every conversation needs your attention.

Is there anything you wish you had done differently from the episodes we have watched?

Yes, there are some things that have transpired so far but I’m just waiting for the reunion to speak more openly on them. You’ll just have to stay tuned in to see how it all plays out. 

What were some of your highs from being on the show?

There have been so many highs. The happy moments I shared with my wife were my favourite. 

What are some of the lows from being on the show?

Watching my wife embarrass herself thinking she’s belittling me but truly ruining her own image. It breaks me to see her destroy herself like this.

Which couples from the show do you enjoy watching?

I love seeing Nelisa and Themba, they are my ultimate favourites, their story has been a pleasure to watch unfold. I also enjoy Portia and Bongani.

Why should people continue watching the show?

People should continue watching the show because there’s still so much to be expected, and unforeseen twists and turns. Hopefully they will see things done in the dark come to light.